[Hitman]

Hello all,

I have a Lemon Balm plant which is showing a rust-type staining on it old levels (the yellow ones).  The newer green leaves look fine, but they are lower down under the yellow leaves.

So, can someone advise if this is normal, or do I have a problem?  Should I cut the old yellow leaves off and expose the newer green leaves underneath?  Will these then turn yellow?

I have attached a photo.

Many thanks

Hitman

[LotuSeed]

I'd cut it back hard to the new growth. Lemon balm is pretty resilient stuff. If the new growth starts going yellow then you might have a nutrient deficiency or something along those lines.

[azubah]

I'd give it a feed and hope for the best. Is it in the ground or in a container?

[Steveharford]

I hate the stuff and can find no use for it whatsoever. I would recommend roundup 😉

[Norfolkgrey]

I can find no use for it whatsoever. 😉

Throw it in with your chickens to make it smell better and keep flies away   

Now you are going to say you don't have chickens..........you could get some, then you could have a use 

[Willow_Warren]

Bunnies and piggies like it too 

Hannah 

[oldgrunge]

I eat the shoots in salad. Yours looks very poorly Hitman, I would cut it hard back, I often do this over the summer when it gets a bit old and tough.

[3759allen]

i cut mine back at the end of last summer and it's now come back very lush and thick. i would cut all the old growth out and let the new growth have a chance.

[LotuSeed]

I use it in flower arrangements but there are loads of other uses for it.

[JayG]

It looks chlorotic, and if it is in a container (looks like it but can't be sure) it's probably just severely short of nutrients - a nitrogen-rich liquid feed or two would probably perk it up, although many people, including me, have trouble keeping it under control in open ground (and knowing what to actually use it for.  )

[Springlands]

It looks chlorotic, and if it is in a container (looks like it but can't be sure) it's probably just severely short of nutrients - a nitrogen-rich liquid feed or two would probably perk it up, although many people, including me, have trouble keeping it under control in open ground (and knowing what to actually use it for.  )

The crushed leaves make a lovely tea. 

[snowdrops]

It's nice finely chopped in a Victoria sponge cake, then add lemon curd for the filling & or lemon to any cream that spills on it

[allotmentann]

There has been research suggesting that lemon balm may help to prevent dementia (although l am not sure if l believe any research into anything anymore!). But drinking it as tea is supposed to be good for that. I used to chop it right back to the ground every autumn.   That seemed to keep the foliage in good shape.

[Hitman]

Hello all,

Thanks for the replies. Sorry for being off-line for a few days.

The plant is in the ground on the edge of a raised bed.

I don't have chickens yet but they are coming on Saturday.

I haven't found a use for it yet either, but I love the smell when I brush past - normally when I'm stooping down working in the raised bed.

Many thanks.

Hitman

[superpete]

I make a green tea with it when the sun brings out the oils in it - add a 1/4 teaspoon of honey - one of the "all-round good-for-you" herbs along with chamomile